A.
The most important step an organization can take to
prevent sexual harassment is to send a strong message to every employee
that such behavior is unacceptable. This message must be:
B.
Make sure that all your employees know the Borough
of Dumont's policy, including what acts are prohibited and the consequences
for violators, as well as the Code of Conduct.
C.
Urge your employees to use the "what if they were
here" principle if they are unsure of certain behaviors: Would I act
in this manner if my spouse, mother, father, etc. were here? Would
I want my spouse, child, parents, etc. to experience, see, or listen
to something like this?
D.
Set high standards of interpersonal conduct between
coworkers. Encourage staff members to speak up when someone does something
offensive and to ask the person not to repeat the behavior.
E.
Disciplinary action should be taken immediately. When
a derogatory comment is intentional, disciplinary action should be
taken immediately to reinforce the policy that such comments are unacceptable.
Counsel employees who make minor transgressions and recommend discipline
for those that persist.
F.
Avoid telling jokes or stories based on gender, sexual
prowess or orientation. Interrupt someone who is beginning to tell
an inappropriate joke and explain that it would be better to save
the joke for another time outside of work.
G.
Keep personal and business relationships separate.
If you are especially close to one person or a small part of another
group, others may feel that you are playing favorites. You must be
sure that those friendships do not make others feel uncomfortable
or left out.
H.
Make objective personnel decisions. An effective supervisor
makes every personnel decision on the basis of objective, job-related
criteria.
I.
Avoid compromising situations.
J.
Set the example. Understand that in your role as a
supervisor/manager, everything you do and say is open to scrutiny.
Conduct yourself in a businesslike manner. Dress appropriately for
the job.
K.
Avoid inappropriate labels. Always use the other person's
name or job title. If you need to refer to a group of people refer
to them as the staff or the employees. Include references to both
genders whenever possible.
L.
Touch others only when invited to do so and always
in a professional manner.
M.
Walk through employee work areas periodically to identify
materials that could be considered objectionable and make sure they
are removed.
N.
Understand that you, individually, as well as the
Borough of Dumont may be liable for certain violations if action is
not taken promptly to stop sexual harassment.
O.
Champion antidiscrimination in a way that helps others
see how important it is. Set an example!
